The probity of the Children’s Bureau’s National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (NCWWI) is examined with respect to the status of child welfare as well as the performance of social work education. By requiring that funding go only to accredited schools of social work, which is not authorized by relevant provisions of the Social Security Act, NCWWI effectively establishes a cartel that excludes other disciplines. Alternatives to improve child welfare services and staff training are considered.